What is the reason why a dual-fuel vehicle suddenly cannot switch to gas?
4 Answers
The reason why a dual-fuel vehicle suddenly cannot switch to gas is a failure in the gas switching system. Here are the relevant explanations: 1. Spark plugs: The combustion temperature of gas in dual-fuel vehicles is relatively high, so the lifespan of spark plugs is shorter. It is recommended to check the spark plugs. If the gap is too large, replace the spark plugs. It is best to replace them with high-quality iridium spark plugs, which offer good cost performance. 2. Fuel shelf life: The shelf life of fuel is generally only one month, and the shelf life of fuel with added methanol is only one week. Therefore, another reason why a dual-fuel vehicle suddenly cannot switch to gas is fuel deterioration. Simply burn off the current fuel and refill with a new tank. High fuel temperature will reduce the lifespan of cylinder liners and pistons, but it will not have a significant impact on power.
I've encountered this issue with my car before, and it took me quite a while to figure it out. The inability to switch between fuel and gas is usually due to a problem in the gas line. The most likely causes are that the gas tank valve isn't fully open or the gas is nearly empty, so first check the gas level display on the dashboard. Another possibility is that the pressure reducer is frozen or clogged—this is rare in summer but often happens during cold starts in winter. Also, listen for the 'click' sound of the solenoid valve when switching; if there's no sound, it might be a blown fuse or a faulty control module. As an experienced driver, my advice is to first try restarting the engine—turn it off and wait three minutes to let the computer reset, which solves the problem six out of ten times. If that doesn't work, you'll need to check the gas filter and injector nozzle, as these are the most prone to carbon buildup and clogging in converted gas vehicles.
Last time when I was driving my daughter to school, I ran into this annoying issue - I pressed the switch button five or six times but it just wouldn't change over. The mechanic told me it's most likely the gas computer freezing up, just like when a phone gets stuck and needs a reboot. Another possibility is a faulty conversion switch - that thing under the steering wheel is prone to dust buildup. For vehicles converted to run on gas, you need to pay extra attention to wiring harness connections, as rubber tubes are prone to cracking and gas leaks. If you smell gas, never force it to run. I later discovered a little trick: when switching to gas, press the accelerator slowly and keep RPM below 2000 - the conversion success rate improves significantly. If all else fails, just drive on gasoline temporarily, but remember to keep half a tank of fuel as backup.
Having worked on gas vehicle conversions for over a decade, this issue is all too common. There are currently three vehicles waiting for repairs in my workshop. You need to understand that fuel-to-gas conversion is a systematic project: the high-pressure solenoid valve controls gas supply from the cylinder, the low-pressure solenoid valve manages the intake manifold side, with a temperature control unit in between to prevent icing. When conversion fails, first check the number of fault light flashes - for example, three flashes indicate pressure abnormality, while five flashes signal temperature sensor failure. The most troublesome issue is wiring harness wear and short circuits - last time a taxi had its wires chewed through by rats. I recommend running the gas system for at least two hours monthly, as long-term gasoline use can clog the gas injectors.
